GUIDE ON EMIGRATING TO THE UK

Jobs in the United Kingdom

Prior to the global economic crisis the UK offered ample job opportunities and unemployment was below 5%. Since the crisis hit the UK economy took a bettering and saw unemployment soar. The country has been struggling to return to growth for the past few years and thanks to a lessening in the severity of the Euro crisis and a slow recovery in the USA and Asia the economy has picked up, albeit in a far weakened state to what it was prior to 2008.

Compared to many European nations the UK’s employment level stands tall and has seen the number of job opportunities increase over the past year. In the early part of 2013, unemployment fell to 7.7%.

If you are a citizen of the European Union then you are eligible to work in the UK without the need for work permits or Visas, only a passport is usually needed. If coming from outside of Europe then you will need the relevant documentation to be eligible, to find out what is needed it is a good idea to contact your nearest British embassy.

Where to job search

The bulk of the UK’s economic growth is centred in the South East in the country with London being the major location for ample job opportunities. Unemployment levels steadily rise the further north and west you go from the capital. Several industries offer very little opportunities such as manufacturing and heavy industry. Most of the production in these sectors is now carried out abroad in Asia. If you are looking for a skilled job then a high English ability is crucial as are recognised qualifications.

Top Tips for finding work

The UK jobs market is incredibly competitive at the moment with dozens or even hundreds of people applying for the same positions. Youth unemployment is particularly high and is a growing problem for the UK government.

Here are some tips to help you find a job in the UK:

Research the United Kingdom’s immigration rules. Depending on your immigration status you may not be eligible for some jobs.

Decide on where in the country you want to go. The UK maybe relatively small but location is vital. The North tends to have high unemployment and the Southeast has the lowest levels.

If a position does come up, apply for it quickly as there’s a good chance there will be a lot of competition for the job.

It’s a good idea to be patient after all trying to start a new life takes time. It’s often a long process to get settled.

Pay and conditions

Depending on your job the conditions and pay will vary greatly. The national minimum wage for people over the age of 21 is currently £6.19. The wage is poor considering the cost of goods and services in the country. Your working conditions can also range from terrible to excellent depending on the type of work you get. Office jobs often see workers work from 8.30am to 5pm Monday to Friday. These types of hours are growing increasingly rare in the UK with most employers now expecting staff to work weekends or shifts.

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